Accreditation

Connect with us

Student PoliciesCompliance with these rules and guidelines is the student’s responsibility. We urge you to familiarize yourself with the content; and if there is any part you do not understand, please request an explanation from a staff member.

(Click on a heading to expand the category.)

Student Policies

Unless special permission is received from the Training Section Chief, students are not permitted to miss any portion of a course. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the course. Reasonable emergency leave may be allowed for legitimate reasons. In a certification course, students must attend all classes to be certified.

Fire Programs: Unless special permission is received from the Training Section Chief, students are not permitted to miss any portion of a course. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the course.

EMS Programs: Students cannot miss more than 10% of the total scheduled classroom hours. Students absent for more than 10% of those hours will be dropped from the program.

Students are expected to do original work for all assignments. Cheating is defined as “the giving or receiving of aid (whether written, oral, or otherwise) in order for a student to receive undeserved credit on classwork, homework, tests, or any other assignment that is his/her own responsibility.” Plagiarism involves stealing another person’s work and claiming it as one’s own. It occurs whenever one directly copies another person’s intellectual effort and integrates it into his/her classwork without giving proper credit to the author. Paraphrasing is defined as “a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form.” When one paraphrases but intentionally omits authorship of the work, this, too, is a serious violation of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any form during any type of evaluation. Candidates are held to the highest degree of conduct. The Alabama Fire College takes the issue of cheating and unethical conduct seriously and all incidents will be investigated.

It is the policy of the Alabama Fire College to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of their disability. The ADA provides, in part, that qualified individuals with disabilities shall not be excluded from participating in or be denied the benefits of any program, service, or activity offered by AFC. The ADA requires that all programs, services, and activities, when viewed in their entirety, be readily accessible to, and usable by, qualified individuals with disabilities. Students with disabilities who wish to request an accommodation under the ADA should contact the ADA Accommodations Coordinator at AFC, who serves as the disability coordinator.

To be admitted to any program or course at Alabama Fire College, a prospective student must contact Registration, complete an Alabama Fire College application, and submit payment for the course/program. In addition, all prerequisites for the course program must be met, and proof must be presented to the Certification Unit before certification testing can be administered.

For the Fire Fighter I/II, and EMS courses, students must contact Student Services, complete the application, submit payment, and submit all required paperwork to be officially enrolled. Applications are accepted on a first-come basis. Health records must be current during the full term for which the student will be enrolled.

In order to attend the Alabama Fire College, students must be either a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen U.S. national, native to U.S. territories. At this time, Alabama Fire College is not accepting non-immigrant students.

The Alabama Fire College will accept:US citizens: a person born in the contiguous US, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.Non-citizen: US national (US non-citizen- a person who is born in an outlying possession of the U.S. including American Samoa or Swain’s Island.)

The Alabama Fire College cannot accept:Non-immigrant students (students who are not U.S. citizens or who are not non-citizen U.S. nationals.) Explanation: In order for an academic or vocational institution to accept non-immigrant students, the institution must apply through the Department of Homeland Security to be a Student and Exchange Visitor Program school (SEVP). This is cost prohibitive to Alabama Fire College due to the minimal number of non-immigrant students who apply for courses at the AFC.

Alternative: If a non-immigrant student wishes to receive IFSAC or ProBoard certification, the Alabama Fire College may be willing to travel outside the U.S. to deliver the training.

All courses are subject to following the guidelines:• Must be 18 to enter the course (Exceptions: Emergency Care Provider and Volunteer Firefighter through an approved Alabama Fire College and State Department of Education CTE Program)
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current valid driver’s license
• Completed registration form and/or application packet
• Course Prerequisites

DoD Policy: The Alabama Administrative Code limits federal fire fighters who are not Alabama residents or are not a volunteer at an Alabama fire department, from attending department or campus delivery courses without paying tuition.

The following is an excerpt from the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission Administrative Code Chapter 360-x-1:Attendance of certification courses taught at locations other than the Alabama Fire College shall be restricted to members of Alabama state, county, and municipal agencies, except where courses are established through the AFC Industrial/DoD
Programs Division or by an articulation agreement with a post-secondary institution.

Appeal Procedures: If a student is dissatisfied with a decision or action of a member of the faculty or staff, he/she may appeal that decision using the procedures outlined in this section. Appeals fall into the following areas: grade appeals, academic termination (dismissal) appeals, and adverse action appeals. If, after attempting to follow the steps below, a student believes he/she did not receive the appropriate due process or if the matter in dispute does not fall into one of these three areas, the student may file a grievance or complaint in accordance with the provisions in the following section.
Grade Appeal Procedure: A student who has a dispute with an instructor’s grading on a test, assignment, or the final grade in a course must follow the steps outlined below:

The student must first try to resolve the difference with the instructor involved. If the instructor agrees to the student’s request, the instructor will make the appropriate change in the grade book or submit a grade change through the Training Section Chief. If the student agrees with the instructor’s decision, the matter is dropped.

If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached between the student and the instructor, the student may submit a written grade appeal to the Training Section Chief. A grade appeal must be made within two weeks for an exam and within 30 days of grade issuance for a course. The Training Section Chief will investigate the facts of the case and make a decision in writing regarding the grade within seven days of receiving the appeal.

Normally, the decision of the Training Section Chief regarding a grade appeal is final. However, if the student still feels a satisfactory solution has not been reached, the student may submit a further written appeal to the Executive Director. Appeals to the Executive Director must be submitted within 30 days of the Training Section Chief’s decision. The Executive Director’s decision will be made in writing within seven days of receiving the appeal and will be final.

Adverse Action Appeal Procedures: Adverse actions are disciplinary actions due to a student violating student conduct policies or academic honesty standards. These can include termination, suspension, probation, or other academic penalty. An example of “other academic penalties” could be the awarding of a zero on a test or assignment or assignment of an “F” (failure) in a course. All adverse actions take effect immediately when imposed by the appropriate instructor or administrator, but they are subject to appeal. If the student disputes the basis for an adverse action, the student may appeal the action with the following procedure.

A student appealing an adverse action must submit a written statement with supporting evidence (if any) disputing the basis of the adverse action to the Executive Director. The Executive Director will investigate the facts of the case and render a final decision in writing within seven days.

If a suspension has already taken place and the course(s) is/are still ongoing and, upon appeal, reversed by the Executive Director, the Alabama Fire College will provide reasonable assistance and time for the student to make up missed material,tests, or projects, all of this being on the basis that such extra time or instruction is practical in the sole judgment of the AFC. In the event a student has already been terminated or suspended and the course(s) has/have ended, the student will be allowed to retake, at no cost, any courses that were interrupted by a termination or suspension that was reversed upon appeal.

Complaint Procedures: Every student has the right to file a grievance/complaint about any procedure at the College, any action taken by an official of the Alabama Fire College, any failure by officials to properly follow the appeals procedures outlined above, or any perceived discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, color, creed, national origin, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation. Grievances or complaints may be filed orally or in writing to the Executive Director or in case of his absence, the procedure listed below.

Grievances and complaints may be addressed to the senior person in the office to which the matter pertains (i.e., to the Training Section Chief, Certification Unit Leader, etc.), or they may be presented to the Executive Director.

Grievances and complaints should be filed within 15 calendar days of the occurrence of the matter about which the grievance or complaint is being made. Grievances and complaints, whether oral or written, should describe briefly, but completely, the nature of the grievance or complaint and the solution sought.

Grievances and complaints addressed to an official of the Alabama Fire College other than the Executive Director may be resubmitted to the Executive Director if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution. In such cases, it must be in writing. The Executive Director will attempt to render a decision within seven days of receipt of the grievance/complaint, and the decision will be in writing.

Attendance will be recorded at every class or lab meeting at the beginning of class and after long breaks for required hours. For a week long certification course, students are required to attend all sessions to obtain certification. For VA students, it is especially important because they will receive benefits only for those days in attendance.

Special Policy: Fire Fighter I/II: Students are expected to attend all classes. Failure to appear in class for a scheduled activity will be considered an absence, unless prior permission is received from the instructor. For any absence to be excused and makeup work to be allowed, it must be accompanied by a written description of extenuating circumstances.

No-Show: Students who have registered for a fee-waived or stipend course and fail to withdraw according to the Alabama Fire College withdrawal policy will not be allowed to register for another fee-waived or stipend course for a period of one year.
Department Delivery: To qualify to attend department delivery courses, students must be Alabama residents or a member of an Alabama fire department.

Any individual on campus may be required to show identification upon request.

Building Security

The building is on a schedule to be locked down automatically at designated times. This schedule is set to secure all staff and students from exterior threats. The times can and will be changed randomly for security purposes.

Students are expected to attend class per the established times because the hours of attendance must be documented for accountability.

Traffic/Parking

Students are expected to observe ALL posted speed limits while driving. If the student is caught speeding, the student is not to use his/her participation in an Alabama Fire College course/event as an excuse.

Students are expected to abide by the parking regulations of the Alabama Fire College and respective community.

Students must park on the side of the building in the designated parking area at the Fire College and other respective host sites. Students will not park in front of the building at the Fire College.

Personal items: The Fire College will not assume any responsibility for loss, theft, or damage of personal items.

The Alabama Fire College reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course. Courses that do not meet the minimum registration may be cancelled two (2) weeks prior to the start date. When a course is scheduled and advertised, there is no guarantee that the course will be delivered. Courses cancelled due to inclement weather or other situations may be rescheduled.

Because cell phones can be used in class as an educational tool and resource, they are permitted to be on the student’s person. They will be used in this capacity until ONLY the Instructor advises their use. Anytime a cell phone becomes a distraction in class, the use of the devices will be banned. The cell phone must be on vibrate or off at the Instructor’s discretion. Cell phones will be OFF for all quizzes and exams. They will be left on the front table in the Computer Lab and retrieved afterwards. AFC and its instructors are not responsible for securing any items brought to class. If instructors notice anything valuable, they will have the student remove the item from the classroom and secure the item in the student’s vehicle.

Students are required to maintain classroom cleanliness. No tobacco products of any kind will be permitted in classrooms. Each student is responsible for the removal of trash from his/her area. Students are expected to be courteous to others while in class, show a willingness to respond to questions and participate in class discussions, and exhibit a lively interest in the subject matter. The Alabama Fire College has a “zero tolerance” policy for disruptive class behavior. Since enrollment in the Alabama Fire College is by choice, students who fail to demonstrate common courtesy and cooperation in the classroom are choosing, by their behavior, to cancel their enrollment.

This policy provides guidelines for the appropriate and inappropriate use of the computing resources at the Alabama Fire College.

The computers, related equipment, software, data, and local area networks are intended to be used for its programs of instruction, research, and to conduct the legitimate business of the AFC.

Users should use these resources in an effective, ethical, and legal manner. Usage must be in accordance with applicable AFC procedures and applicable state and federal laws including the Federal Computer Abuse Amendment Act of 1994, the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and the U. S. Copyright Act.

Policy violations may include:

Harass, threaten, or otherwise cause harm to specific individuals or classes of individuals

Impede, interfere with, impair, or otherwise cause harm to the activities of others.

Download, post, or install to computers or transport across networks material that is sexually explicit or offensive or material that is illegal, proprietary, in violation of license agreements, in violation of copyrights, in violation of AFC contracts

Recklessly or maliciously interfere with or damage computer or network resources or computer data, files, or other information.

The Alabama Fire College has a “zero-tolerance” policy for disruptive classroom behavior. Immoral or disorderly conduct will not be condoned. Profane, obscene, vulgar, or indecent language will not be tolerated. Minor infractions committed by students will be corrected by the Fire College Staff. Conduct detrimental to the Fire Service on or off campus will not be tolerated. We will investigate any complaints by motels, restaurants, or other persons. If the complaint is valid, the student will be dismissed and his/her agency will be notified. Student enrollment in the Alabama Fire College is by choice; therefore, students who fail to demonstrate common courtesy and cooperation in the classroom are choosing, by their behavior, to cancel their enrollment.

Restrictions include but are not limited to:

Visitors, including children, are not allowed in the classroom.

Cell phones will not be used during class, lab, or clinical.

All phones, beepers, or other devices must be turned off while in class, lab, or rotations.

No tobacco products of any kind, to include chewing tobacco, will be permitted inside the Alabama Fire College buildings or in front of the building.

Continuously returning to class late from breaks.

Disrespectful, vulgar, or disruptive language and other undesirable activity are prohibited.

Students attending classes at the Alabama Fire College must choose their attire to be appropriate according to the circumstances. Students should refer to the course syllabus for guidance on what activities are planned for each instruction day and whether the activities are indoors or outdoors to determine student’s choice of attire. Dressing for safety is the overriding concern. Comfort is a consideration. When dressing for the summer season, students are reminded that short shorts, tank tops, and open-toe shoes are not permitted in classrooms or on the drill field. T-shirts or other clothing with offensive wording or artwork are not permitted. Common courtesy to other students is expected in the choice of attire. Drill field activities will require clothing to be worn that is appropriate for the activity and the season.

Possession of firearms on Alabama Fire College property is limited to sworn local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. All others are expressly forbidden to possess firearms on AFC property unless specifically authorized to do so by the Executive Director.

Compliance with these rules and guidelines is the student’s responsibility. We urge you to familiarize yourself with the content; and if there is any part you do not understand, please request an explanation from a staff member.

To be admitted to any program or course at the Alabama Fire College, a prospective student must contact Registration, complete an Alabama Fire College application, and complete payment for the course/program. In addition, all pre-requisites for the course/program must be met and proof must be presented to the Certification Unit before certification testing can be administered. For resident and Regional Training Centers, Fire Fighter I/II, and Resident EMS courses, students must contact Student Services, complete the application, submit payment, and submit all required paperwork to be official enrolled. Applications are accepted on a first-come basis with payment to secure a spot in a course. Health records must be current during the full term for which the student will be enrolled.

All courses are subject to following the guidelines inherent to specific programs.